Let's talk about upgrading my scope

At the risk of retreading the same old ground, I'd like to get some opinions from people.

I'm looking at upgrading from my trusty old Nikko Sterling 3-9x40 panamax to something a little fancier with better glass.

It's going to have to do duty as my main scope, so both bush and tops work. Ideally I'd like 50mm for better light, maybe 4-12 zoom, fairly rugged.

My rough budget is around 1 to 1.5k.
What do people reccomendation? It's been a long, long time since I went scope shopping, not even sure what the brands are to look at in that range so any help would be appreciated.

I've got a Leopold vx3i 3.5-14 here had very little use.
$900 TRD
CDS has been used so comes with MOA dial.

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Sorry 4.5-14

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I'd run with the above offer can't go wrong there at all.

Hang out for a vx5 you will get a decent 2nd hand one for that

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Originally Posted by 16Tontovarish

At the risk of retreading the same old ground, I'd like to get some opinions from people.

I'm looking at upgrading from my trusty old Nikko Sterling 3-9x40 panamax to something a little fancier with better glass.

It's going to have to do duty as my main scope, so both bush and tops work. Ideally I'd like 50mm for better light, maybe 4-12 zoom, fairly rugged.

My rough budget is around 1 to 1.5k.
What do people reccomendation? It's been a long, long time since I went scope shopping, not even sure what the brands are to look at in that range so any help would be appreciated.

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This is the vx3i https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...addfa6cab2.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...245b3ed890.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...fa87be483d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...437ed4eb54.jpg

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Leupold is likely to be the best value for money and you will have it for a long time - they aren't all fancy but they're classics. Can be pulled out as a spare, put on a new gun, given to a mate, whatever, even if one day you get a higher grade scope.

A new VX3 HD would almost fit into your budget and it probably fixes some minor problems with the VX3i. Since it's second focal plane, you could do without the Windplex reticle and the standard duplex could be a smidgeon cheaper. And the 3.5-10 x50 would be a more steamlined alternative if you're happy with 10x.

Even the entry level VX Freedom in 3-9x40 would be a worthwhile upgrade and much cheaper.

I'm not specially recommending those shops. They just had convenient links. But they are both good dealers.

the 3x9x40 freedom is a good scope and will cost you a fraction of your budget.
if your not into twiddlin n fiddlin pretty much any leupold will be just fine n dandy.... the higher priced models might be better,but the lower end ones are pretty good.

$1500 might get a Swarovski. Buy once cry once.
They do a 2.4-12x50 but probably pushing 2k over there.
Leupold are good and reliable but Swarovski might have the better glass.

Or I have just listed a ziess 3x9x42 if you happy to stay within that zoom range. Very good quality glass and comes with rings for $600 .... Old school turrets though.

A Zeiss HD5 3-15x42 often fetch around $1000. Great scopes for the money.

With that budget I'd buy a Zeiss DL

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...5?bof=ZcFi50JK

could do lots worse than this Swarvo z3 4-12x50 for $1350, includes a set of rings and a ballistic turret

100% agree. Top optics, only comment I'd make is swap the elev cap to an MOA one

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Originally Posted by 20 Bore

https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketpl...5?bof=ZcFi50JK

could do lots worse than this Swarvo z3 4-12x50 for $1350, includes a set of rings and a ballistic turret

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I wouldnt think twice, buy the Swaro.

You would get a nice peice of European Glass for half your budget over here.

A Schmidt & Bender 6x42 is a hell of a versitile scope and it will outlast you and your grandkids even if it was second hand when you bought it.

Hi, I have a new / not used Leupold VX3i 4.5 - 14 x 40, Matte - 1in Duplex, if anyone interested , say $1.0 k.

Hey thanks all, some awesome suggestions here!

For those of you who have offered scopes for sale, cheers but I'm still probably about a month at least off actually being able to lay out the money (budgeting around kids is fun hey?) But again, thanks for the advice.

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Originally Posted by norsk

You would get a nice peice of European Glass for half your budget over here.

A Schmidt & Bender 6x42 is a hell of a versitile scope and it will outlast you and your grandkids even if it was second hand when you bought it.

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Until it needs to be repaired, then you might as well bin it for what S&B charge for servicing.

Leupod VX5HD is the easiest choice. plenty around, second hand ones come up all the time. New design and lastest tech. all around good choice.

Vortex LHT is a slightly better but less popular scope, partly because it is newer and partly Leupold has a bigger brand name in NZ. LHT offers a 50mm version but it is more rare and more expensive. You do not really need 50mm for under 15x.

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Originally Posted by Ultimitsu

Leupod VX5HD is the easiest choice. plenty around, second hand ones come up all the time. New design and lastest tech. all around good choice.

Vortex LHT is a slightly better but less popular scope, partly because it is newer and partly Leupold has a bigger brand name in NZ. LHT offers a 50mm version but it is more rare and more expensive. You do not really need 50mm for under 15x.

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Vortex LHT might have good features but the reticles suck, they made a hunting scope with a 'gamer' reticle... why?! :wtfsmilie: